Excited to Share

At GO, we are convinced that God sends us to serve, not simply because He wants something from us, but more importantly, because He has something FOR us.  Such was the case of a recent 19-year-old, Haitian American Vision Tripper.  Abiscahi Joseph tells his story powerfully below.  Like him, we are excited to share it with you….

A few weeks ago, I was on a mission trip in Haiti with GO Project. Before coming to the mission trip, I didn’t know what to expect. I could recall one night when I was home in the living room; I was wrestling with God about going to Haiti.

All I kept asking God was why does He want me, Abischai Joseph, an Haitian-American to go to Haiti and what exactly does he want me to do in Haiti? As the days drew near for me to go to Haiti, this was my daily thought process, and honestly I doubted God’s plan for me in Haiti.

Now I am now back home from my trip to Haiti. After experiencing God’s mighty hand move in Haiti, I am now excited to share with anyone who has an open ear.
My first day in Haiti, I experienced many, mind-blowing events. The first thing that caught my attention when I was getting off the bus at the village was the children’s appreciation of our company. The children at the village were so eager to interact with us. For the first time in my life, I felt a genuine sense of appreciation that I never felt before, and this sense of appreciation was felt throughout the trip.

The children, despite their circumstances, appreciated everyone who came on the trip and they had no reason to appreciate our presence. What have I done to gain their appreciation? The answer is nothing. We simply did what God calls all his followers to do, and that’s to care for the orphans.

The children were unaware I was Haitian-American, but once I spoke creole with them, I began to see why God wanted me to be in Haiti with GO Project. The children became very interested. They were connecting with a Haitian from America, and they bombarded me with questions, which I am glad they did.

At the first village, I was surrounded by at least ten young boys, and we talked the entire time. The boys all took their time asking me questions, and I did the same as well. This wasn’t my first time in Haiti, but this was my first time in Haiti as a missionary.

The boys wanted to know about my life in America. I told the boys about the different tribulations that I face living in America. The boys were surprised at the stories, and I also was surprised at the stories they told as well. Some of the questions that I asked the group of boys were questions like what are some of the things you like about GO Project? How has GO Project changed your life? Where is your family? How did you hear about GO Project? The boys answer were similar.

The children at the first village were very grateful. They value the food they eat, the education they receive, and the shelter they now have. The boys were filled with a joy that they weren’t supposed to have. Hearing all their tragic stories about their family and poverty really tugged my heart. I expected the children circumstances to keep them away from God, but their circumstances did the complete opposite. Their circumstances brought them closer to God and this filled my heart with hope.

Their contentment was beyond my imaginations. With so little they have, they are filled with the joy of Christ. When it was time for us to return back to the Hotel, the boys asked me was it okay if they pray for me? Their request melted my heart and motives. I thought they were in need of prayer, but I quickly realized that I was in need of prayer as well. I did allow them to pray for me and this experience is one that I will hold on to forever. I was able to connect with the boys because I was being transparent. We were connected through Jesus and our own personal suffering that we had experienced.

I can testify and say that I have seen the power of God working and impacting the children in an everlasting way. Towards the end of the trip Adrien Lewis asked me if I would be open to share my testimony with the Pathway boys in Haiti, specifically with a friend named Ty.

Ty was orphaned in America at two months old. I was able to translate Ty’s testimony to the group of guys in the Pathway program. As Ty told his testimony in English and I translated for the boys in Creole. The boys began to take heed to what Ty was telling them about abuse, neglect, and persevering through a childhood filled with orphan homes. The Pathways boys had a misconception about America, and they understood very quickly that America is not Wonderland. The Pathway boys were able to connect with Ty because he also was an orphan as a child.

Going on this trip has impacted me in many different ways. I now understand the significance of the small things in life like food, shelter, and unity that often times I took for granted. I now realize whether you’re in Haiti or America, you still need Jesus. I am assured and know that THE God we follow is a God that takes care of his people. God has been doing mighty things in the children. I learned that I must be comfortable with being uncomfortable if I ever want to fully experience the work of God. God has a plan for the people in Haiti and I know now it’s a privilege to be part of God’s plan. I have seen the spirit of God working in Haiti and I am honored to share my experiences with you. There is hope when everything else seem hopeless because of Jesus.